There's More to Pipes Than Just PVC:
The Genus Doryrhamphus and Other Pipefish

Often times when hobbyists are considering
a species-dedicated aquarium, the idea of a tank full of seahorses
is the first species of choice. For those interested in the
"common" animals of the exotics, seahorses can be
a fulfilling experience. They will certainly entertain your
guests. However, there are those that prefer something less
mainstream, an "uncommon" exotic, if you will. For
those individuals I present the April 'Fish Tales' on pipefish.

Most likely a color variation of Corythoichthys insularis,
here a female poses for a snapshot. Males will have three
additional white bands near the trunk.
Photo courtesy of Fredy J. Brauchli, Switzerland of Sub
Aqua Pictures.

Meet the Family

Pipefish are a small group of fish from
within the family Syngnathidae, meaning 'jaw fused.' Although
the Syngnathidae is commonly called the Pipefish family, the
most notable fish of this family are in the subfamily Hippocampinae,
the Seahorses. In total, the Pipefish family contains four
subfamilies, 55 genera, and over 320 species (Kuiter, 2000).
At one point the animals in this family were thought to be
insects (Rafinesque, 1810; Michael, 1998), but it is now clearly
known these animals are actually fish, even if they are strange-looking
fish.

Subfamilies of
Syngnathidae:

Doryrhamphinae

Hippocampinae

Syngnathinae

Solegnathinae

All Syngnathids possess an elongated semi-flexible
body with armored, bony plates. They do not possess scales.
Gill openings are usually reduced to a small round pore, and
the head is generally long and tubular. The jaws are fused,
resulting in a structure without a hinge to open and close.
All fins are soft-rayed, with most species having one dorsal
fin, and pectoral fins. Some species may have caudal fins,
while yet other species are entirely fin-less. Ventral and
second dorsal fins are absent in all Syngnathids. Another
factoid worth mentioning about Syngnathids is their reproductive
habit: The males are the ones that become pregnant! In all
species the male carries the eggs during the incubation period.
More on this shortly.

A wonderful photograph of Doryrhamphus melanopleura.
The broad blue band
without a dark border and larger, elongated caudal spot located
at the posterior, make
identification easy.
Photo courtesy of Greg Rothschild of Mother
Nature's Creations.

The subfamily Doryrhamphinae, known commonly
as Flagtail Pipefish, contains four genera and 22 species.
Unlike the vast majority of Syngnathids, the subfamily Doryrhamphinae
swims above the substrate, and is never in contact with the
substrate (except for Maroubra). Likewise, it does
not maintain a grip on sea grasses, gorgonians, or any other
steadfast. This subfamily features an abnormally large (for
Syngnathids) caudal fin. These Indo-West Pacific specimens
all carry the eggs of the young under the trunk of the male
(Kuiter, 2000).

Genera of the Subfamily
Doryrhamphinae:

Doryrhamphus

Dunkerocampus

Heraldia

Maroubra

Doryrhamphus consists of 11 species,
though the taxonomy is incredibly incomplete and lacking.
Many localized color forms are present, and most specimens
are lumped together as a single species, a result of inconclusive
research from preserved specimens. Once further research is
put forth, it is likely the number of species will rise (Kuiter,
2000).

Dunkerocampus, much like Doryrhamphus,
is one of the few genera of free-swimming pipefish. Like all
free-swimming pipefish, Dunkerocampus males keep the
eggs in a pouch under the trunk. This pouch does not close,
and subsequently the eggs are not covered while the male carries
them. Previously known as Acanthognathus, Dunkerocampus
has also been regarded as a subgenus of Doryrhamphus,
but today maintains generic status and maintains no less than
eight species from the Indo-West Pacific.

Dunckerocampus pessuliferus is a regular import for
the aquarium trade. It prefers calm water, and tends to be
fairly outgoing and an active cleaner fish. Photo courtesy
of Rudie H. Kuiter.

Corythoichthys polynotatus is usually only found in
shallow waters.
Photo courtesy of Linda Cline of Dancing
Fish.

Though the majority of pipefish that appear
in our hobby are from the subfamily Doryrhamphinae, with Doryrhamphus
and Dunkerocampus accounting for the largest percentage
of the subfamily within the hobby, a large percentage does
show up from Syngnathinae, or the subfamily commonly called
Pipefish. For the most part, this is a highly unorganized
subfamily that is likely to be split into their separate taxon
once additional research is put forth. For now, 42 genera
are recognized, though only Corythoichthys is likely
to be found at your local fish store with any regularity.

Probably Corythoichthys schultzi. Many color variaitons
are possible within this species.
Photo courtesy of Linda Cline of Dancing
Fish.

Doryrhamphus jannsi is the largest of the pipefish
that is normally imported for the aquarium trade.
Seen here is a pair with a natural host client, a Neopomacentrus
anabatoides. Photo courtesy of
Rudie H. Kuiter.

The care of Corythoichthys is similar
to that of any other pipefish. The main points of consideration
would be the temperature that the particular species originated
from, as well as the type of bottom cover it preferred. All
Corythoichthys are found along the substrate, unlike
Doryrhamphus and Dunkerocampus species. Some members
prefer muck bottoms, while others prefer rock rubble and algae.
The pipefish that prefer to swim along the substrate have
a differently designed brood pouch than do their free-swimming
cousins. This brood pouch is designed to enclose the eggs,
and in these enclosed pouches the embryos are attached to
highly vascularized placenta-like tissue, which seals the
pouch folds from inside during incubation (Watanabe et al,
1999). It would seem, therefore, that the embryos of the substrate
dwelling pipefish are considerably more protected than those
of the free-swimming pipefish. Twenty-three species are currently
described members of Corythoichthys, with many more
un-described members awaiting entrance.

Syngnathidae


Doryrhamphinae

°Doryrhamphus

§bicarinatus

§excisus

§janssi

§japonicus

§malus

§melanpleura

§negrosensis

§paulus

§sp.
1

§sp.
2

§sp.
3

°Dunkerocampus

§baldwini

§boylei

§chapmani

§dactyliophorus

§multiannulatus

§pessuliferus

§sp.
1

§sp.
2


Syngnathinae

°Corythoichthys

§amplexus

§conspicillatus

§flavofasciatus

§haematopterus

§insularis

§intestinalis

§isigakius

§nigrispectus

§ocellatus

§paxtoni

§polynotatus

§paxtoni

§schultzi

§sp.
1

§sp.
2

§sp.
3

§sp.
4

§sp.
5

§sp.
6

§sp.
7

§sp.
8

§sp.
9

§sp.
10

§sp.
11

§sp.
12

§waitei

Kuiter, 2000

In the Wild

Pipefish, like all Syngnathids, are secretive
fish and are highly localized and restricted in their distribution.
You are more likely to locate them in bays and lagoons then
you would be on the fore-reef. Depths range from 5m to 30m
of depth in subtropical regions, usually associating with
overhangs or crevices within the rockwork, which supply a
place to retreat. This quick retreat is basically their only
means of defense. Their bony plates offer little protection
against predators that are likely to swallow them whole. Rarely
will they leave the comfort and protection of their overhangs
or crevices.

Another photo of what appears to be Corythoichthys
sp. 3. Photo courtesy
of Fredy J. Brauchli, Switzerland of Sub
Aqua Pictures.

A Corythoichthys species. Most likely the Corythoichthys
that Kuiter (2000)
refers to as Corythoichthys sp. 3. Photo courtesy of
Linda Cline of Dancing
Fish.

Most members of the genus Doryrhamphus
have been noted as "cleaner fish" (see To
Clean or Not to Clean: Gobiosoma Species for more
information on "cleaner fish"). However, unlike
typical "cleaners," the pipefish do not setup highly
visible "cleaning stations." Doryrhamphus
species are noted to clean the cryptic clients, those such
as moray eels, groupers, and cardinalfish (Michael, 1998).
This makes up a small portion of their diet. The majority
of their diet is comprised of the tiny crustaceans that swim
near the substrate, though just about any larva that fits
into their mouth is consumed. Foods that are not able to fit
into their fixed jaws are often "de-gutted," that
is, they suck the abdomen out of the food item, and let the
skeleton go without further attention.

During feeding, the "where" seems
to be unimportant for them, as pipefish will feed from the
substrate, or they will also feed on passing-by foods in the
water column. The "when" and "how often,"
however, is extremely important. To begin with, they are diurnal.
Therefore, they will only eat during the day. Second, due
to the lack of a stomach, and a largely inefficient intestine,
pipefish will continue to search for food the entire day.

Adults are always located in pairs, though
these pairs are not necessarily maintained monogamous. The
pair will greet each other every morning, just minutes prior
to sunrise. This greeting consists of the beginning stages
of the mating ritual (Gronell, 1984). It is not known what
purpose this morning greeting serves, but it has been speculated
that it could increase spawning synchrony between the mates,
keep the pair bound during non-reproductive periods, or even
alert the pair to a missing mate (Michael, 1998).

Reproduction of pipefish is a long process,
usually consisting of over two hours of a predictable mating
ritual (see below). Once near completion, the female will
deposit her eggs into the male's pouch. The number of eggs
can vary from 30 -1000 depending on the species and age of
the animals participating (Kuiter, 2000), though most species
have egg counts numbering closer to 100 - 200. The female
will transfer all of the eggs in 4 - 7 seconds (Michael, 1998).
The fry are well developed at hatching, but have a short pelagic
stage. Due to the advanced adaptation to specific localized
conditions within the species of the family Syngnathidae,
it is believed dispersal from the pelagic stage is minimal.

The
9 Steps to the Successful Mating Ritual of Pipefishes (Gronell,
1984)

The
Event

What
Happens

The
Approach

Prior
to sunrise, the pair greets each other.

Parallel
Swimming

The
pair remains side-by-side as they oversee their surroundings.

The
Arch

The
pairs perform “quick arching of the body from a level
position.”

The
Cross-Over

In
“leap-frog’ fashion, the pair “hops” over their partner.

The
Rise

Both
individuals position themselves better for the ensuing
engagement.

Entanglement

The
pair twists together.

Positioning

Both
members become motionless once obtaining a vertical,
parallel position.

Spawning

The
male moves his brood pouch below the female’s ovipositor;
she deposits the eggs.

The unusual brooding habits of Syngnathidae
have brought upon another interesting sexually characteristic
among pipefish: sex-role reversal. Because the male Syngnathids
carry the eggs to full term, the males are now in the driver's
seat when it comes to choosing which female to breed with.
In other words, the females compete for the males. Females
are forced to compete with other females to garner the attention
of the males. To help the male choose the healthiest female
pipefish, females have a couple of ways of displaying health.
First, the overall size of the female is important. Berglund
et al (1986a) showed larger females produced more numerous
and larger eggs which consequently gives way to larger and
healthier fry (Ahnesjo, 1992a, b). Secondly, females compete
with each other by developing higher degrees of contrast in
coloration, often called ornamentation. These colors are not
directed towards the male, though the males obviously choose
females based on the brighter colors. Instead, the females
flash the color ornaments towards competing females. Brighter,
more colorful females dance and copulate sooner, copulate
more often, and transfer more eggs when compared to the more
dully-colored specimens (Gasparini and Teixeira, 1999).

Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus can be found in small
groups as juveniles.
Photo courtesy of Linda Cline of Dancing
Fish.

Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus is a regular import
for the hobby, but it is usually sold under the incorrect
name Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus. Bottom photo:
A fantastic photo of a male Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus
with a brood pouch filled with eggs. Photos courtesy
of Linda Cline of Dancing
Fish.

Although pipefish have been described as
monogamous in the past, this is simply not true. By definition,
monogamous indicates an eternal life partner. Instead, male
pipefish form "pair-bonds" which usually last at
least one season. It is believed they can remember which female
they were most impressed with, and thus continually mate with
her. However, some pipefish, notably the females, move beyond
this "pair-bond" (Vincent et al, 1994). Females
are able to produce an endless supply of hydrated eggs thanks
to an ovary unique to pipefish (Begovac and Wallace, 1987;
1988). Therefore, the female is always ready to mate with
additional males, should she be able to convince them into
mating with her. In addition, females play absolutely no part
in the brood care or raising of the fry (Berglund et al, 1986b)
once the eggs have been passed to the male, and thus can easily
move from one male to the next.

Most likely Corythoichthys insularis, but it could
easily be C. nigripectus or C. sp. 12.
The location
of the where the photograph was taken would assist in correct
identification. Photo courtesy of Fredy J. Brauchli, Switzerland
of Sub
Aqua Pictures.

In the Home Aquarium

Provided the needs of the pipefish are
met, these fish can live many years within the confines of
a home aquarium. Lifespan is currently considered 5 to 10
years in an aquarium. The correct water parameters, tank mates,
food options, and tank design are all of importance, and can
each lead to success or failure.

Starting with water parameters, like any
saltwater fish, the hobbyist should strive for tank conditions
as near to natural saltwater conditions (NSW) as possible.
Unlike most other fish, the calcium level in the aquarium
is important to pipefish. Their bony exoskeleton depends on
the calcium to maintain its strength. Calcium levels from
350ppm and up should be sufficient. Remembering most pipefish
are subtropical, aquarium temperatures should range from 72
to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fellow tank mates are a paramount consideration
in a pipefish tank, and often is the difference between success
and failure. As a whole, pipefish will not pester any fish.
They are, for the most part, oblivious to anything else in
the tank that does not fit into their tiny mouths. This general
rule can be extended from fish to corals, and mobile invertebrates.
However, in that same regard, if it can fit into their mouth,
it likely will be consumed. This would include all micro fauna
in the aquarium, as well as fish and shrimp fry. Despite the
low-key personality of pipefish, their tank mates often pester
them. All but the smallest, most peaceful fish should be eliminated
from a pipefish aquarium. Suitable tank mates would include
most gobies, dragonettes, other seahorses, and shrimpfish.
Any fast-swimming fish is likely to agitate the pipefish and
keep them in hiding. Fish that are aggressive feeders are
likely to do the same. Any fish that tends to be "curious"
is likely to annoy the pipefish. This would include wrasses,
blennies, and dwarf angels. Naturally, predatory fish often
times make a quick snack out of pipefish. Large predatory
mobile invertebrates such as certain starfish species, lobsters,
and hermit crabs should be avoided, as well as any potentially
strong-venom corals such as any LPS corals and anemones.

Compatibility
chart for Pipefish:

Fish

Will Co-Exist

May Co-Exist

Will Not Co-Exist

Notes

Angels, Dwarf

X

Will likely pester until death ensues.

Angels, Large

X

Large, fast fish are best kept in separate tanks.

Anthias

X

Aggressive feeders will make it difficult to get prepared
live foods to pipefish.

Assessors

X

Excellent choice.

Basses

X

Will likely pester until death ensues.

Batfish

X

Large, fast fish are best kept in separate tanks.

Blennies

X

Will likely pester until death ensues, though some
smaller members would be good choices.

Boxfishes

X

Will likely pester until death ensues.

Butterflies

X

Large, fast fish are best kept in separate tanks.

Cardinals

X

Excellent choice.

Catfish

X

Will likely pester until death ensues.

Comet

X

Excellent choice.

Cowfish

X

Will likely pester until death ensues.

Damsels

X

Will likely pester until death ensues.

Dottybacks

X

Some dottybacks require dedicated aquariums.

Dragonets

X

Excellent choice.

Drums

X

Will consume pipefish.

Eels

X

Some pipefish are known to "clean" members
of this family, though it is best to avoid them sharing
the same aquarium.

Filefish

X

Large, fast fish are best kept in separate tanks.

Frogfish

X

Will consume pipefish.

Goatfish

X

Will consume pipefish.

Gobies

X

Excellent choice.

Grammas

X

Avoiding grammas would be playing it safe.

Groupers

X

Some pipefish are known to "clean" members
of this family, though it is best to avoid them sharing
the same aquarium.

Hamlets

X

Will likely pester until death ensues.

Hawkfish

X

Will likely pester until death ensues.

Jawfish

X

Excellent choice.

Lionfish

X

Some pipefish are known to "clean" members
of this family, though it is best to avoid them sharing
the same aquarium.

Parrotfish

X

Will consume pipefish.

Pineapple Fish

X

Should co-exist peacefully.

Pipefish

X

Excellent choice.

Puffers

X

Will consume pipefish.

Rabbitfish

X

Large, fast fish are best kept in separate tanks.

Sand Perches

X

Will consume pipefish.

Scorpionfish

X

Will consume pipefish.

Seahorses

X

Excellent choice.

Snappers

X

Will consume pipefish.

Soapfishes

X

Will consume pipefish.

Soldierfish

X

Will consume pipefish.

Spinecheeks

X

Large, fast fish are best kept in separate tanks.

Squirrelfish

X

Will consume pipefish.

Surgeonfish

X

Large, fast fish are best kept in separate tanks.

Sweetlips

X

Will consume pipefish.

Tilefish

X

May annoy pipefish.

Toadfish

X

Will consume pipefish.

Triggerfish

X

Will consume pipefish.

Waspfish

X

Will consume pipefish.

Wrasses

X

Most wrasses will pester pipefish.

Note: While many of the fish listed are
good tank mates for Pipefish, you should research
each fish individually before adding it to your aquarium.
Some of the fish mentioned are better left in the ocean, or
for advanced aquarists.

Ensuring the proper size food, and that
enough of it reaches the pipefish is another major concern.
Thankfully, hobbyists are becoming more informed on this important
detail, and as such many ill-prepared hobbyists have rightfully
avoided this family. Food items would include any of the naturally
growing microfaunal animals found in our aquariums, including
copepods, amphipods, and mysid shrimp. Therefore, the hobbyist
would be smart to encourage the natural growths of these animals.
A dedicated refugium for a pipefish tank is a wise idea, or
a large refugium can make a perfect pipefish aquarium itself.
Pipefish are regularly found searching algae beds for food
in the wild. These algae beds encourage the colonization by
microfauna, and therefore colonies of macro algae like various
Caulerpa species are important additions into any pipefish
aquarium. When additional foods are required, the best substitutes
are live foods. Hatching brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, or
even daphnia at home can prove to be a successful means of
food supplementation, or a welcome treat for pipefish that
normally do not need an additional food source. In many situations,
pipefish are not willing to accept frozen/thawed prepared
foods. In time some individuals may begin to accept prepared
adult brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, or any number of
commercially available foods. Most specimens, however, will
never accept prepared foods. Be prepared to supply live foods
for the lifespan of your pipefish should you consider obtaining
these fish. Most importantly, due to the lack of stomach and
inefficient intestines, the hobbyist must be prepared to provide
large amounts of these foods. If you are counting on the bulk
of the pipefish diet to be supplied by yourself, consider
that three feedings per day is the minimum necessary.

Lastly, tank design is significant. This
aspect isn't nearly as important as the three previously discussed
requirements, but nonetheless, these minimal requirements
should not be considered voluntary. An active, healthy sandbed
should be required. If possible, sand from several different
sources should be acquired to ensure as much diversity as
possible. This sandbed will supply a large percentage of the
naturally occurring foods for the pipefish. Likewise, good
quantities of porous live rock are desirable. As mentioned
above, various colonies of algae are also prime locations
of microfaunal colonization, and thus should be considered
mandatory in the pipefish aquarium. Caves and overhangs are
a wise idea, both as a comfort factor for your pipefish, and
for the viewing pleasure of the hobbyists. In most cases,
you can design your rockwork to feature overhangs in prime
locations for your viewing, and your Doryrhamphus sp.
will immediately take to this overhang. Without these overhangs,
the pipefish is likely to take up residence somewhere buried
behind the rockwork, much to the disappointment of all intending
on viewing these fish.

Refugiums with thick algal growths are optimum breeding grounds
for two of the pipefish's favorite foods. Photos by Henry Schultz.

Reproduction In The Home Aquarium

Spawning and rearing of pipefish in the
home aquarium is entirely possible, provided the hobbyist
wishes to give the extra effort. Once the pair has successfully
mated and the males begin to carry the eggs, hatching is merely
days to weeks away. The hatch time varies depending on species,
as well as water temperature, where a 1 degree Celsius temperature
change could mean an increase (or theoretically decrease)
in the brooding period by as much as two days (Michael, 1998).
Newly hatched pipefish are free-swimming and fully developed;
though a short pelagic stage does occur. Color pigmentation
usually takes place once the juveniles begin to settle to
the substrate. Rotifers are required as first-foods for the
pipefish fry, and will be required until the fry are large
enough to consume newly hatched brine shrimp.

Meet the Species

Most of the Doryrhamphus species
are fairly similar, with only slight color differences of
the caudal fin and geographical locations setting them apart.
Therefore, getting an exact identification on this genus is
extremely difficult, if not impossible. Following the chart
below will give you your best chance at proper identification.

Distinguishing Doryrhamphus
species (Kuiter, 2000)

Species

Location

Distinguishing
marks

bicarinatus

Indian Ocean; Eastern
Africa

Two large tail spots
on the top and bottom, with a single small tail spot
at the very end of the caudal fin.

Caudal fin highly
variable. Usually with large dark spot in the
center with minimal orange highlights and white border.
Usually swims upside-down.

negrosensis

Phillippines and
New Guinea

No distinguishing
caudal fin marks, however, a white stripe is present
on the topside of the snout.

paulus

Eastern Pacific

Larger orange area
when compared to most Doryrhamphus species.
Variable caudal fin.

sp. 1

Tropical eastern
Australia and Coral Sea

Caudal fin mostly
orange with white trim. Dark spot in center usually
shaped like a ‘C’.

sp. 2

Ryukyu Islands and
Taiwan

Thicker blue band
running the length of the body than most Doryrhamphus
species. Numerous, well-defined yellow spots on
caudal fin.

sp. 3

French Polynesia

Single white strip
running from top of the snout to the caudal fin.

The final member of Doryrhamphus
is D. janssi, or commonly called Janssi's or Jan's
Pipefish. Whereas most other Doryrhamphus barely reach
three inches in length, D. janssi will reach over five
inches in total length. In the wild Jan's is reported to be
an exclusive cleaner for Cheilodipterus (Cardinalfish)
and Neopomacentrus (Damsel) species (Michael, 1998).
It has perhaps the largest distribution of all pipefish, covering
most of the West Pacific from 3 to 120 feet of depth. Like
D. melanpleura, it spends much of its lifetime swimming
upside-down.

Several members of Dunkerocampus
have become regular imports for the marine fish hobby; D.
dactyliophorus is one of them. It is a west Pacific native
that spends a majority of its time in shallow water where
it spends a large portion of the day "cleaning"
moray eels. They readily make the transition to home aquariums
provided the above listed criteria are met. Juveniles will
stay in small groups, but adults are always found in pairs.

The other popular Dunkerocampus
that regularly shows up in the trade is the Yellow Banded
Pipefish, or D. pessuliferus. It is often confused
with D. multiannulatus due to similar coloration. This
species is most often located near deep mud flats and drop-offs
searching for food or even a "client" fish. It is
not shy in the wild or in the home aquarium - possibly the
most outgoing Syngnathidae.

Most of us will never be lucky enough to
witness one these beauties outside the pages of books or Internet
websites. The majority of people that get to see these fish
in person usually are located within a public aquarium. Fewer
still will have an opportunity to dive with these gems. Almost
no one will have the chance to attempt to maintain one in
a home aquarium.

Although referred to commonly as Ghost
Pipefish, these majestic animals are not from the family Syngnathidae.
They are close cousins, however, and are presently placed
in the family Solenostomidae, which has only one genus, Solenostomus,
and roughly six species (see below). A few characteristics
create the need for a family separate from Syngnathidae. First,
Solenostomus species have ventral fins, a second dorsal
fin, and all fins are well developed. Another important difference
is the male does not brood-care for the eggs, the female does.
Members of this family are well spread out geographically,
most likely due to the extended pelagic stage (when compared
to Syngnathidae). However, it appears they have a relatively
short lifespan. Should you come across one of these rarities
of the hobby, you can be assured that care is similar to that
of the members of the family Syngnathidae.

Solenostomus paradoxus, also called
the Ornate Pipefish, is highly variable in coloration and
is widespread throughout the tropical Indo-West Pacific. They
enjoy brisk currents over open sand beds littered with gorgonians.
At four inches in length, it is a moderately sized Ghost Pipefish.

Another pair of Solenostomus paradoxus on the left,
with a Solenostomus paegnius on the right. Photos courtesy
of Fredy J. Brauchli, Switzerland of Sub
Aqua Pictures.

Solenostomus cyanopterus, or the
Robust Pipefish, can be located throughout the western Pacific
and also throughout the Indian Ocean. Again, color is variable,
but not necessarily the rainbow of colors as seen in S.
paradoxus. This fish associates with sea grasses and algae
in back bays and protected fringing reefs. Like other members
of Solenostomus, the Robust Pipefish generally hangs
vertically in the water column, with its face looking towards
the substrate. As the name implies, this member is the largest
Ghost Pipefish.

Solenostomus paegnius, or as some
may call it, the Rough-Snout Pipefish, is another widespread
tropical Indo-West Pacific native. This species is closely
related to S. cyanopterus, except the caudal peduncle
is considerably shorter and, as the common name implies, has
many hairy or bushy appendages growing from its snout. Like
all Ghost Pipefish, this member settles from the pelagic stage
at nearly full adult size, and is a fully functional reproductive
adult.

Above: A pair of Solenostomus paradoxus.
The female, seen here on the right, is considerably
larger than males. Below: Solenostomus paradoxus
is nearly transparent during the post-pelagic stage,
but eventually takes on a large assortment of colors
including red, black, yellow, blue, orange, and various
shades therein. Photos courtesy of Linda Cline of Dancing
Fish.

Conclusion

Sometimes hobbyists begin searching for
a new challenge, or a new family of fish featuring interesting
behaviors. When the desire to take the hobby to the next level
strikes, pipefish are there. Undoubtedly, pipefish are among
the more exotic fish that show into our local fish stores.

Care of pipefish is rather simple. When
researched and assembled correctly, a pipefish aquarium can
be remarkably fulfilling with little additional effort from
the hobbyist. Much like the dragonette fish family, pipefish
truly are a fish that do not need any additional labor on
the part of the hobbyist to thrive. A well planned and thought
out aquarium most often affords the pipefish with everything
they need. When designed poorly, a pipefish aquarium can become
a daily chore that quickly tires the fish keeper, or worse
yet, leads to the untimely death of the pipefish.

Next time you consider adding fish into
a large refugium, or consider setting up a species designed
aquarium, consider the choice of a pair of pipefish.

Dawson, C.E., 1981 Review of the Indo-Pacific
pipefish genus Doryrhamphus Kaup (Pisces: Syngnathidae),
with descriptions of a new species and a new subspecies. Ichthyol.
Bull. J.L.B. Smith Inst. Ichthyol. (44):27 p.